University of Washington

Researchers Reveal 3D Genome Folding Linked to Alzheimer's Brain Changes

Multiple studies from CMU, Pitt, and UW connect Alzheimer's pathology to changes in the genome’s 3D architecture, linking genome folding to gene activity with advanced techniques like GAGE-seq and the Hicformer AI model to map these changes in brain tissue. Additional work highlights age-related genome regulation shifts, including microglial turnover and blood-brain barrier cell decline, alongside a mid-stage drug trial where an anti-tau therapy showed potential to slow cognitive decline, underscoring 3D genome remodeling as a core facet of disease and aging beyond amyloid and tau alone.